IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) is projecting that 120 million pounds of avocados – representing an increase of 20 percent over last year – will be consumed by fans around Big Game week, traditionally the largest eating occasion for guacamole each year. Avocado sales at retail in key Hispanic markets like Los Angeles, New York and Chicago are set to be big contributors to this forecast, in keeping with the record growth of Hispanic viewership of the year’s most celebrated football game.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150109/168199

Top markets for avocado retail sales (in dollars) before Big Game week match up with markets with the highest concentration of Hispanics in the U.S.

• Los Angeles (#1 Hispanic market) leads in overall U.S. sales of avocados at retail during the week prior to the Big Game; avocado sales jumped 5.3 percent during the Big Game week in 2014 versus the year prior
• New York (#2 Hispanic market) spiked nearly 40 percent in sales in 2014 versus 2013
• Chicago (#5 Hispanic market) increased over 20 percent in sales during the week of the Big Game in 2014

“Retail avocado sales are growing in top Hispanic markets as watching the Big Game becomes a greater part of Hispanic culture,” said Emiliano Escobedo, executive director, Hass Avocado Board. “To inspire more ways to serve avocados at a party, HAB has just added new easy-to-make recipes like Mini Sopes with Carne Asada, Avocado and Queso Fresco that are sure to please a crowd.”

Avocados contain naturally good fats and are cholesterol free. A traditional staple in Hispanic households, nutrient-dense avocados fit in a full range of menus. Fans can find the Mini Sopes with Avocado recipe, preparation tips and other helpful information in Spanish at www.SaboreaUnoHoy.com.

About the Hass Avocado Board
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) is an agriculture promotion group established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass Avocados in the United States. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass Avocados directs HAB’s promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Funding for HAB comes from Hass avocado producers and importers in the United States.

Contact:
Vickie Allande-Fite
MSLGROUP
vickie.fite@mslgroup.com
310.461.0383